As reported in CNN tonight (click here to read the article), a tragic scene unfolded today as a lone gunman took several students hostage. After he had released all but two of the teenage girls, SWAT teams stormed the school to rescue them. The gunman, however, was too quick for them, and he was able to kill one of the hostages before killing himself.

As a human being hearing this story for the first time, I wonder what would have happened had they not stormed the school….

As a teacher, I view every student in a positive light. But I am also on edge in the classroom, from the beginning to the end of each class, simply because I know that these tragedies that have struck Colorado high schools (Columbine is just 40 miles away from today’s attack) can happen anywhere, at any time.

One of the stories that came out of today was that the gunman accidentally took one boy for hostage with the six girls. When told he could leave, be free, the boy turned and said, “I’d rather stay here with the girls and protect them.”

The gunman allegedly put the gun to the boy’s head and told him to leave for good. The boy had no choice, and he was soon off.

Today’s shooting brings to light my sub-conscious role as protector of the classroom at all times. I try to keep it concealed from them as much as possible, but I don’t want anything happening to my kids, not to mention the rest of the students at our high school. And so I keep these tragedies in the back of my mind and err on the side of caution whenever necessary.

As a teacher, it’s my responsibility to protect these students.

As a human being, it is my responsibility to love these individuals and allow them the chance to reach their potentials….whatever they may be.

Love to all,

Rus